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Admiring and Protecting Our Alluring Old Brick

About 100 years or so ago, immigrant masons (many who were from Italy) knew that patterned brickwork — artistic and easy — makes a small home appear elegant, adds a signature to their craftsmanship, and relieves some of the boredom of laying bricks hours on end. Today, that brickwork is credited for much of the charm of our neighborhoods, the swelling worth and energy efficiency of our old homes.

Back then, over 200 brickyards were located in various Denver neighborhoods, which were booming with housing developments. Immigrants from many nations were streaming into the city, and many of them were fine craftsmen, such as the masons from Italy.

Bungalows – the most fashionable “tract” home at that time – sprouted everywhere and cost about $6,000 each. Compact and space efficient, they were (and are!) livable and lovable. The interiors were similar and the exteriors varied by roof gable, columns, porch locations and knee brackets (decorative elements under the roof) and brick color and design. Many had unfinished attics to allow for future expansion as the family grew. You could even order a bungalow from Sears or other catalog companies. All of the parts would arrive by train.
A decade or two later, Tudor-style homes were popular. The interiors were similar to the bungalow, but the exteriors reflected homes built in England years before. Fancy brickwork was often used on these homes, too.

Tips for Preventing Brick Damage

• Make sure gutters and downspouts are clean! If clogged, the polluted water may run off onto the bricks and discolor it – like wine or baby food staining clothes.

• Make sure the mortar joints are sound. Look for erosion and cracks. The bricks may need
to be repointed, replacing or adding new mortar. This is an art and a science in itself. Cement at the hardware store is not the answer. Carefully check out the credentials of anyone who offers repointing. Done incorrectly, it can cause a lot of damage.

• Bricks at or near the foundation level are susceptible to water damage. Make sure the ground next to the house slopes away. Sprinklers are not friends of bricks. Make sure they do not “water” the bricks.

• Caulk between bricks and other materials; for example, windows, doors, and eaves. (This will also help conserve energy – heating and cooling the home.)

• Vines on bricks are lovely; but, they can trap water and leave nasty little “grabbers.” Consider tearing them off.

• Watch out for flat areas on the home where water can collect; for example, window sills, parapets – (yes, some bungalows and Tudors have them) or areas near the chimney.

• Don’t use salt or other snow melting substances near brick.

• Please, don’t paint brick unless it is ABSOLUTELY necessary to save it. Brick reflects the beauty of Colorado. If you want colored siding, consider a new home in the suburbs or one of Denver’s in-fill neighborhoods. Brick is expensive today: it is rarely used in in-fills like the old Elitch Gardens and Amusement Park redevelopment. Paint doesn’t allow brick to “breathe.” Seldom, it is used as a last resort to “save” brick. If you think you need to “save your brick,” contact the Rocky Mountain Masonry Institute for technical assistance, www.rmmi.org.

• If the brick is already painted, please don’t repaint it in the color of purple, or red or bright green. Bungalows and Tudors were built at a time when the subdued colors of Mother Nature were valued.

• Sandblasting is harmful to brick. If you need to clean it or remove paint, contact the Rocky Mountain Masonry Institute for technical assistance, www.rmmi.org.
You can contact Elizabeth at www.historicgenie.com***